I don't know much about Victories, so I figured I'd check with the Guru's (seriously, I mean that) here. I have one that I bought from Old Sacramento Armoury back in the 80's, and that's pretty much my hands-on experience with them.

I ran across a gun for sale. I've only seen photos, but they are good photos. It appears to be a (physically) correct Victory. The rub is that it is marked on the top strap (U.S. NAVY) AND on the side plate (under the thumb piece) (PROPERTY OF U.S. NAVY). s/n V4714X (47,000 range)

I've been reading about the fakes, and haven't run across any mention of a Navy having both markings. Any chance this is for real? With basically no finish left, but no major dings, is it worth $325-350?

Thanks in advance!

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Hoot Gibson

I don't know much about Victories, so I figured I'd check with the Guru's (seriously, I mean that) here. I have one that I bought from Old Sacramento Armoury back in the 80's, and that's pretty much my hands-on experience with them.

I ran across a gun for sale. I've only seen photos, but they are good photos. It appears to be a (physically) correct Victory. The rub is that it is marked on the top strap (U.S. NAVY) AND on the side plate (under the thumb piece) (PROPERTY OF U.S. NAVY). s/n V4714X (47,000 range)

I've been reading about the fakes, and haven't run across any mention of a Navy having both markings. Any chance this is for real? With basically no finish left, but no major dings, is it worth $325-350?

Thanks in advance!

__________________
Hoot Gibson

Hoot,

The Navy Victory Models marked "PROPERTY OF U.S. NAVY" on the left side of the frame are sometimes referred to as "Red Navy" models due to the fact that these markings are sometimes found filled with red paint. In the database maintained by my more knowledgeable friend, Charlie (ordnanceguy), and me, there are several examples of Victory revolvers with both the top strap ("U.S. NAVY") and frame side ("PROPERTY OF U.S. NAVY") markings. In fact, Red Navy examples do exist within the SN range you specified, amongst others. Some pictures may help with the determination, but be advised that the fakes are often well done and difficult to detect. In my experience, though, such fakes generally command higher prices than that stated. My feeling is this: if you like the gun and would be willing to pay that amount regardless of the authenticity of the second Navy marking, then go for it!

BTW, the SN range you mention would have been shipped in the July, 1942, time frame.

Steve

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CHL/NRA Instructor/RSO/Referee

Thanks Steve! You have email.

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Hoot Gibson

Hoot, Steve's info is right on. I've never encountered a fake Navy with your markings, so I feel you have the real thing. Most fakes add the "Property of US Navy" stamp on the left side to guns that were often DSC shipped as guard guns. It would be redundant for a faker to add the above stamp to a gun that already said US Navy on the top strap. That won't raise the price at all.

Thanks opoefc! The double marking logic occurred to me too. GMTA.

The consensus is that it's real, and I've closed the deal with the seller. When I get the gun in hand, I'll take some photos and post them. When I get The Letter, I'll post that too.

Thanks guys, this is a great forum!

And yes, I'll be joining the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation,first of the month.

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Hoot Gibson

Here is a picture of the markings on one of my Victory Models. This one does letter to the Navy. There are no markings on the top strap.

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Gary Grace
S&WCA #1837

Hi Gary:

Does your revolver letter as delivered to the Navy at Oakland, CA?

Regards,
Charlie Flick
S&WCA #729
NRA Life

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

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Gary Grace
S&WCA #1837

And some Navy Victories aren't marked Navy at all. I have one that is marked as if it was an Amry handgun with US Property and GHD on the top strap but letters to Oakland, CA Navy.

This one is sn V179410 and was delivered to the US Navy, Oakland, CA on December 17, 1942

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Gary Grace
S&WCA #1837

Hi Gary:

That is what I suspected it would say. I have a working theory on this and hope to make it the subject of a future article for the S&WCA Journal. Thanks for confirming this for me.

Regards,
Charlie Flick
S&WCA #729
NRA Life

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215